The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel TowerAlthough it's hard to imagine today given its immense popularity, public opinion about the Eiffel Tower – constructed as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair – was emphatically negative.ParisFrance48.8577982.295134

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Party Earth Review
Although it’s hard to imagine today given its immense popularity, public opinion about the Eiffel Tower – constructed as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair – was emphatically negative.
Critics decried it as an...
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The Eiffel Tower
Review

The Scene

Although it&#x27;s hard to imagine today given its immense popularity, public opinion about the Eiffel Tower – constructed as the entrance arch to the 1889 World&#x27;s Fair – was emphatically negative.

7eme, Paris –

Although it’s hard to imagine today given its immense popularity, public opinion about the Eiffel Tower – constructed as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair – was emphatically negative.

Critics decried it as an eyesore, headlines screamed with quotes like “A BLACK PUDDLE OF IRON,” and everyone took heart that designer Gustave Eiffel had only received a twenty-year permit for the structure.

Fast-forward more than a century later and this 1,063-foot tall “black shadow over Paris” is one of the most-visited manmade monuments in the world, attracting millions of sightseers every year and still standing proud as a defining icon of the city.

Anyone can make the trip extra special by enjoying the site Parisian-style, which means packing some bread, cheese, and wine, and claiming a spot on the grass near the base as the tower illuminates from the orange glow of the sun and then sparkles again with a light show every night.

Either to work up an appetite or burn off that cheese – or to avoid the ever-present crowds in the elevators – stairs provide a thigh-busting side trip up the first few hundred feet.

Yet while the views from the top of the stairs are stunning, they’ll only reinforce an elevator ride to the summit, where it seems like all of France spans out from La Tour Eiffel.

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Tip from Emma:

This is the perfect spot for weekend picnics in the summer. Keep in mind it’s also a major pickpocket hotspot, so do pay attention to the people around you.

Crowd

Tourists in the tower, young locals in the park, all ages.

Entertainment / Music

A bird’s-eye view of Paris from a world-famous landmark.

Food / Miscellaneous

There are a couple of restaurants in the tower itself, but they require reservations. Traveling wine vendors in the park.

Prices

Elevator to the top €11.50. Stairs to the second platform €4, plus €3.50 for the elevator to the top. Student discounts available.

What to Wear / Dress Code

Casual.

Hot Nights / When to Go

Any day, though the tower is more festive when groups start off a Friday or Saturday night with an evening picnic and a tour.

Close By

There are many reasonably-priced restaurants and bars in the streets around the tower, as well as several spots for crêpes, ice cream, and snacks.

The Eiffel Tower
User Reviews

As touristy as it is you MUST go to the Eiffel tour, and make sure you go all the way to the top because it is absolutely breathtaking! You won't regret it I promise. It is an extra wait to get to the top (for me it was about 30+ minutes) but totally worth it!. There's even a champagne bar up there so you can enjoy a glass of French champagne on top of the Eiffel Tower, fancy right? If you dont make it to the top don't worry there is a bar on the second level as well as a concession where you can buy snacks, coffee, ice cream, etc. There are also several gift shops to buy all your Eiffel Tower souvenirs, or you could just buy them from the hundreds of vendors on the street.
To avoid the lines at the base try to buy your tickets in advance, if not, don't be threatened by the lines they move pretty quickly. By the way, there is no "best time" to go, it will always be crowded but the view will always be incredible. Whether it's in the morning, late afternoon, sunset, or at night when the entire city sparkles.

The EiffelTower is as incredible as you imagined from photographs in magazines, if not more incredible!
If you have the time in Paris, I'd recommend visiting it at different times in the day...Clear blue sky at lunch time, Sunset in the afternoon and coming back at night when there is a light show on the tower.
Great photo opportunities at all times.
If you think you can handle climbing hundreds of stairs, definitely take the stairs and then the elevator to the very top!
The appreciation you get for the construction of the Eiffel Tower when climbing the stairs is amazing as well as taking the guilt away from all the chocolate and cheese being consumed in your travels in France ;)
If you want to visit the restaurant up the tower, book well in advance.
In winter time there is an ice skating ring up the tower too.
The Eiffel Tower needs to be on everyones bucket list!

Bet ya didn't know that, did ya?! As cliche as it sounds, as touristy as it looks, I could visit it every day for the next year and not get tired of it. The experience of Skype'ing my mom from under the tower and having her watch in awe with me as we hit the top of the hour when the tower sparkles for 10 minutes, was incredible. What a moment.
It's easy for people to write it off as just another overrated monument, but enjoy its surroundings first! Go mingle with the multi-cultural bears that align the lawn it faces, while pretending your blind or deaf when the merchants try and shove their (usually stolen) souvenirs on you. It's fun!
Luckily, I chose to ride up the tower just half an hour before it closed, when there was virtually no line and I got to take my time, and easily walked about while on the 1st and 2nd tier.
Not that I'd ever be able to afford to eat a meal at the top of the tower, nor have I made it a life goal of mine, but I do admire the atmosphere and magic it exudes. It's the Eiffel Tower for crying out loud. As an American, you're only supposed to see it in books and movies, so when you actually visit it up close, it's a pretty special moment.
As the wine is cheaper than the water out there, my friends and I sat underneath the tower one night, had ourselves a little picnic, French baguettes in hand and wine in glasses. Toasting to the good life. Alas, I must go back.

My only regret is never going in and experiencing the climb to, and ungodly expensive diner at the top. Still, I'm in love with Gustave Eiffel's monument to iron. Since it was walking distance from my university's campus, walking to the Eiffel tower was the first thing that I did. It was just starting to get dark out and so the lights were just starting to glimmer on the tower. I sat out in the grass, people watching and in awe. I made plans in my head to go back again and again, have picnics in the grass in front of it. I went back often, and it was one of the few touristy things I did, but nothing I'd ever appreciate any less because i'ts touristy.

You have to go to the Eiffel Tower. There are no if, ands, or buts about it. The lines can be long, of course. You could get rubbed on by some weird dude in the jam-packed sideways elevator that takes you up what seems like a million miles in the air. But then, you get to see it. Bam! The Paris skyline. Trust me it's worth the lines and the groping. Also, bonus! They have champagne at the top and you can get a souvenir light up cup! (Only do this is you have a patron for your travels, like a Grandma or rich spouse. The champagne is not worth 15 euros.) It's cheesy to say and I hate myself for doing it, but it is truly great and magical and romantic and makes you feel all mushy-gushy. Who doesn't like to feel mushy-gushy sometimes?

Le Tour Eiffel conjures up everything which is associated with Paris; romanticism, unforgettable style and above all the beauty of the city. The price to enter perhaps the most famous and celebrated monument in the world is beyond reasonable. For less than 12 euros you can jump into a lift and in less than 15 minutes be experiencing one of the most breathtaking views this world has to offer. Of course, queues are inevitable, and can reach ridiculous lengths. However the tower is practically empty at night, and this is arguably when the city is looking at its best, and provides a perfect way to end a night in Paris, particularly after a delicious dinner. Without a doubt, a trip which everybody should take, as it really is an experience like no other.

This. Place. Is. Magical. Period.
Hearing about 'The Eiffel Tower' from random things like a movie, a book, or a little bit from someone who quickly saw it.
You hear things like 'Most romantic spot in the world' 'Is the #1 spot for people to purpose a marriage'.
You take that all into account and your own thoughts and opinions when you go there.
But there is one thing you won't take into it all when you go there.
The fact of how magical it is there. Just seeing how its standing there, after so long, in its so simply designed form.
I read somewhere close by to the tower that it was only suppose to stay up for a year.
Once you see it, its really like 'wow...'
Its really hard to describe something that is un-desribeable. Its one of those things that you will truly not understand, until you go there and FEEL the awesome of the tower.
Start from 9 till midnight. Ever hour for 5 minutes. It sparkles. And in its already golden appearance it just adds to the charm.
I went at night. So i don't really know about 'being over crowded', because there weren't that many people. I do intend to go again. There is no charge for just being around it.
There were a lot of people walking around trying to sell you little trinkets of the tower, or such like things. Depending on how you view them. It can just add to the charm of it all. I enjoyed it. They aren't bad people necessarily. For they aren't beggars asking for a hand out. To them. Its just a job. So if you just say "No Merci" They will just walk away. No need to be rude.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most memorable monuments. Very tall, you can see it from many parts of Paris. And from the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can see the vast views of the different arrondissements.
Although the restaurant at the top charges about 250 Euros per meal, it is an unforgettable experience.
Only problem is that it is so popular that it's always crowded

When you think of Paris, the first thing that comes to mind is the Eiffel Tower. But let’s just get this out of the way: it’s not exactly the romantic heart-thumping ooh la la setting that people usually think it is. Instead, you’ll just feel like ripping out hearts of the hundreds of milling tourists taking cliché “touch the top of the Tower” pictures and so forth. The line to the top of the Tower is also horrific; not only does it snake around for days, you are crammed like a sardine into an elevator that will make frequent stops on an already long ride to the top. Most say this arduous journey is worth it for the view as the Eiffel Tower does a great job at displaying the glory that is Paris. However, there are plenty of other beautiful and less grueling options in this magnificent city if you want an all-encompassing look at Paris. On your visit, just go to the base of the tower, snap a few pictures to say you were there and leave because you’re better off exploring this magnificent city.

When i hear the people talking about Paris, the first thing i have in my mind is the tower. It's because it represent it. It's the heart of Paris. When you are in Paris, Eiffel should be one of the first things on your list " must see" .

Obviously, you're going to see the Eiffel Tower if you're going to be in Paris! It's why you go to Paris, same reason you go to New York for the Statue of Liberty, Rome for the Coliseum, or Philly for the Cheese Steaks. The trip just doesn't count if you don't! However, if you are going, just keep some things in mind. A) Its the Eiffel Tower, you're going to have to wait. B) If you want to grab a flute of champagne up top or grab dinner on the mezzanine, get ready to shell out for it. I went at night and got in pretty quickly, my guess is that all the other Americans went off to dinner and left me with a phenomenal view of Paris lit up at night with not too much of a crowd. Don't get discouraged by any of this, just keep it in mind when you get there.

the view of the city when you are at the top of the Eiffel Tower is breathtaking and you get some really good pictures even if you are not a pro at it

Well, if you are in Paris you have to go there or you will regret it because it's the most iconic monument there. But, if you are going there on autumn or winter do not try to climb the stairs and prepare to suffer from the cold once you get to the top. That being said, the view of the city when you are at the top of the Eiffel Tower is breathtaking and you get some really good pictures even if you are not a pro at it, just aim your camera and click and it will be a good one. If you don't want to spend the money to climb to the top (or if you are a sensible person, to catch the elevator to the top) you can go there at night when it's lightened up and you get an awesome view for free :)

I give this place three stars because I was fortunate enough to have a really positive experience here. Yes, it is certainly a tourist destination (I mean, you won't find any French people there), but it's definitely an experience. I went in June, and the sun doesn't set until about 9pm at that time of year. If you manage to time it right, you can start at the bottom when it's daylight, spend some time on the middle level at twilight, and then make it to the top as the sun is setting. It is just an amazing view!
Normally I'm not into this kind of "top-of-the-world" tourist destination, but part of what makes it so different from any other aerial view of the city is the fact that it is the ONLY structure of any height in the entire city. So unlike New York or Chicago, you really do kind of feel like you're at the top of everything, and that is pretty sweet.

I really don't get this place. If you're looking for a place to get accosted by rude merchants pushing their merchandise then be my guest (and they really are rude--one mini-Eiffel statue vendor got in the way of my camera, followed me around, and refused to move until I pushed him away, and then he started cursing me...yeah, you're really doing your country a favor when it comes to America's perception of the French...). Wander beneath it, take your photos, maybe have a picnic on the lawn, but I cannot for the life of me understand why someone would wait in line, pay (PAY!) to go up, and then stand in the cold to look around.

I know the French never go to the Eiffel tower. And I know that’s the most cliché of tourist activities. But there’s a reason for that—the French hated the Tour Eiffel and thought it blighted the city for the first few years of its existence; a century later, and it’s an icon.
The tower itself isn’t that tall compared to other towers, etc etc. But it’s pretty epic. Especially if you’re trying to climb the stairs via foot—which is much more fun and challenging than taking the elevators! (Not to mention cheaper). And it’s something you simply must do because it really is that incredible.
At night, the Tour Eiffel is also the backdrop for a rather kitschy light spectacle, which simply adds to the experience.

It's hard to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower. If you go just to enjoy the view from the ground, bring a nice picnic and sit down on the Champs de Mars for a classic Parisian experience. I do recommend doing this at night at least once. The sight of the twinkling lights is more breathtaking in person, especially if you're seeing it for the first time. Do be aware, though, that this area is known for the pickpockets and vendors doing anything they can to get you to buy something.
I think everyone should go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, even if it is only one time. The lines in the summer are brutally long, but the view from the top is one of a kind. Just don't take the stairs, even if the line is shorter, because I can guarantee you won't be happy by the time you get to the first observation platform.

The Eiffel Tour in Paris is OF course something you need to see when you're there, but I'd recommend leaving as soon as you get your photo where it looks like you're pushing it or doing something phallic with it - preferably the latter. But yes, it's as big and amazing as everyone says and you should still go all the way to the top for the best views in the city.
The problem, there are 3,456,357 tourists there at all times. Also, it's really expensive to go up there. So if you want to see landmarks in Paris, yes you need to go here, but don't spend a ton of time unless you just want to get angry at the crowds.

Okay I’m not saying avoid actually going TO the Eiffel Tower, I’m just saying don’t go up it. Do you really want to wait in a long line to see a skyline of Paris that doesn’t feature the Eiffel Tower? I don’t. But I DO think you should get to it, walk around, look at it from the ground up, marvel at its metal, have lunch in the park by it, lie on the grass and watch it, and take lots of photos. It’s a beautiful piece of work, but forking out the tourist fee and herding yourself into the tourism mass is just pathetic. Spend that money on a day in the Louvre. I personally think the best view of the Eiffel tower is on the Seine River, drifting by on a boat as it sparkles when the clock strikes midnight. THAT'S romance.

If you go to Paris and don't go to the Eiffel tower I don't think we can be friends. Unlike some other tourist attractions, the Eiffel Tower is a bit more interactive as not only can you get amazing pictures around the grounds, but you can also ride up to the top (or walk if you're insane) and get a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The price to go to the top level is totally worth it at least once. Just watch out for overpriced trinkets and food from the surrounding vendors - total tourist trip. It's also worth going back at night to see the tower lit up - or do the french thing and sit on the lawn with some wine and cheese and watch the sunset. Magnifique!

Even if my experience here had been particularly horrible, I still would have recommended it just because it is something everyone has to see when they come to Paris. I've had the pleasure of getting to see the Eiffel Tower throughout various times of the year and, if you have a choice, I would highly recommend visiting around New Year's Eve if only for the amazing fireworks and decorations adorning this historical landmark.
A word of advice: STAY AWAY from any restaurants within a mile radius. Seriously. We like to call them &quot;trap de touriste&quot; cafés, because they have terrible food, weak service, and are ridiculously overpriced.

The Eiffel Tower is a must see when visiting Paris. Even if you don't plan to visit it, it's pretty hard to miss even just catching a glimpse of it. There are a lot of tourists and I recommend visiting it at night and during the day. I also suggest going up the tower to the top level to get the most magnificent views of the city, especially at night. The Eiffel Tower has a restaurant inside of it, but if you are going you have to make a reservation very far in advance. The tower is extremely touristy, but for a good reason. There are tons of people selling little toys and keychains all around it, but watch out for pickpocketers in this area. This is a must see if you visit Paris.

The hustle and bustle, the large herds of tourists flashing their cameras over a clear night sky and then again contained in one of the ten large tour buses that lined the seine. And the road was clear when Lucas pulled me closer to the sign that read &quot;Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf.&quot; I tried to look shy when he caught me peak at the 26 euro charge for our tickets. We passed the expensive miniature wine and champagne bottle display and considered the food stand that gave the impression of a movie theater refreshments kiosk. The croissants looked, well, alright, but we were there for the boat so we settled for some 1€ coffee and soup from a vending machine.
We had caught the last boat, so we scrambled to the back like kids and looked out to what felt like the end of the world as far as Paris goes. The boat was huge, and empty, a little chilly, however that is to be expected on a fall October night. More reason to snuggle up next to a loved one I guess. The one thing I remember most is the view of the Eiffle Tower from where we were. The lights lit up the massive metallic structure, standing proud from a time before high boxes and when design was still considered a means to a project's goal.
The boat began to glide down the seine, and a tour guide described the various sites we passed in several different languages. Seeing Paris from this point of view is something completely different. You are able to see the arquitecture under the bridges, and the Louvre, the Museum d'Orsay, Place de la Concorde and the Notre Dame. Something that was sort of strange and nice is that it is custome for people to wave at the tourists that pass by on the seine. At fist I thought they were making fun because a lot of young people meet up to hang out with friends and drink on the seine, but they are sincerely being nice, and want you to wave back.
Overall, I would say that this was an incredible experience. I am not one to do this sort of touristy stuff, but this was amazing.
INFO:
Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf
Square du Vert Galant
75001 Paris
France
website: http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/index.htm
Phone: (33) 01 46 33 98 38
Price: Adults 13 euros, Kids 7 euros

I went to the Eiffel Tower with my family back in the day. First of all, the place is amazing. The views are stunning. It's really an incredible engineering feat. The problem is that my dad insisted we all wear berets with our names on the front. I thought these two girls were flirting with me, but it turned out they were just making fun of my stupid hat. My dad finally realized how embarrassed I was wearing that thing so he took a little sympathy on me and threw it over the side. Unfortunately this old woman was holding a dog and the pup thought the beret was a Frisbee. The dog lunged out of her arms, grabbed the beret in mid-air, and thankfully landed in a large pool of water and amazingly came out without a scratch. Paris is incredible!

The Eiffel Tower is one of those places that most tourists feel that they have to hit. However, breath-taking view aside, when you get there, it's exactly what you would expect: crazy long lines, overrun with tourists, and over-priced street food you could get in any similar attraction in any other city in the world.
Marvel at The Eiffel Tower from afar - you can see it walking around many streets in Paris. Take the $$ you were going to spend on entry and lunch, and go to La Vue (http://www.partyearth.com/paris/bars/la-vue-2/) instead. The view is just as breath-taking, in a sophisticated, authentically Parisian setting.